Certified Fire Investigator Practice Exam

What does the angle of "V" patterns indicate in fire investigation?

1. The speed of the fire

2. The duration of the fire

3. The borders of the fire effects

4. The temperature of the fire

The correct answer is: The borders of the fire effects

The angle of "V" patterns observed in fire investigation is significant because it indicates the borders of the fire effects. Specifically, the vertex of the "V" points to the origin of the fire, while the arms of the "V" show the direction in which the fire spread. This pattern forms due to the way flames rise and propagate through fuel sources, creating a visual cue that helps investigators pinpoint where the fire began and how it spread within a given space. Understanding this pattern is essential for fire investigators as it can provide critical insights into the dynamics of fire behavior and assist in reconstructing the sequence of events leading up to and during the fire incident. Other options, while relevant to various aspects of fire behavior, do not accurately reflect the specific information conveyed by the "V" pattern in terms of indicating the borders where fire effects are most prominent.